The new King Kong game by Stern Pinball is absolutely amazing.
Discover the next pinball game coming to a game room near you.
Zach Sharpe, the marketing director at Stern Pinball, is visibly excited as we play in the company’s exclusive Pinball Alley, located at their offices in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to try out the company’s new title: King Kong: Myth of Terror Island. This game comes in several models, Pro, Premium, and the limited edition 932, with prices starting at $6,999.
Before its release, this new pinball machine had been the subject of speculation on social media and forums. Having tried it out, I can say it has become my new favorite from Stern since 2021. My own story with pinball games began in 2020 during CES, when I found myself playing Stranger Things, a moment where a kind gentleman advised me to calm down; it turned out to be Gary Stern, the founder of the company and a key figure in the pinball world.
Upon arriving at the factory, I asked Sharpe what his favorite pinball game was, and he mentioned two: Cyclopes, a rarely designed machine by his father, and Godzilla, which happens to be my favorite too. Godzilla is the preferred game of Keith Elwin and Jeremy Packer, who are responsible for designing and directing the art of King Kong, respectively. Fortunately, Stern's style is quickly recognizable, and King Kong offers a gameplay experience as entertaining as its predecessors.
The game's design is visually striking, featuring a playfield filled with vibrant colors and countless toys and mechanisms. There are four flippers, a secret path, a tarantula-shaped magnet, and a network of rails. In the Premium edition, a Kong animatronic actively interacts during gameplay, leading to exciting multiballs. However, the challenge lies in controlling the ball correctly, as Sharpe demonstrated by activating the multiball on his first attempt.
King Kong's gameplay is dynamic, with a narrative that includes characters and settings both on the island and in New York, building an immersive experience. The Stern Insider Connected system also stands out, allowing players to track their progress and achievements. The game comes with a Co-Op mode, facilitating collaboration among players to combine their scores.
During my visit, I was also able to appreciate how these pinballs are manufactured. Each new game receives a codename, and the assembly process is meticulous, requiring around 30 hours of work to complete a machine with approximately 3,500 components. The company ensures a thorough quality control before each game hits the market, underscoring its commitment to excellence.
Regarding the licensing and gameplay, the interviewees agreed that both are essential for the success of a new model. In the case of King Kong, its status as part of the public domain allows Stern to create its own unique story. The game is inspired by the classic tale from 1932, but it feels innovative and distinct, with voice acting that enriches the experience.
Considering the cost of $7,000, concerns arose about how the rates could influence future prices, to which Sharpe responded that the company has learned to adapt. Despite the high price of the machine, the pinball remains accessible in many arcades, and with launch events planned, it is likely that a King Kong machine will soon be available for enthusiasts nearby.
The revival of pinball is undeniable, and King Kong: Myth of Terror Island promises to be an exciting addition for fans who are eager to experience this new adventure.